By ISAAC MUKANDO? –
PICK n PAY has invested about US $2 million towards the opening of its new store in Chingola district.
Pick n Pay country general manager Andy Roberts said the company took the initiative to invest in a new store in Chingola because the district offered great potential for business.
Mr Roberts said the $2 million invested in the new store in Chingola was testimony of Pick N Pay’s commitment to grow its investment in the country.
He said this on Thursday during the open day of Pick n Pay’s new Chingola store.
Mr Roberts said the company would continue to invest in the country and help create employment for the local people.
He said Pick n Pay Chingola store had created employment for 118 people of which 90, were locals.
“Chingola is one the best towns to invest in, it has one of the best populations and we will continue to invest in it and help improve the lives of people by means of providing quality products and hopefully by creating a few jobs,” Mr Roberts said.
He said the company would also focus on projects such as educational support as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes aimed at uplifting the welfare of people in the communities.
Mr Roberts said Pick n Pay had a long commitment to the Zambian people and as such would endeavour to step up its CSR through various campaigns and projects.
Chingola Town Clerk George Mulenga said the opening of the new store was a huge investment to the town and a plus for the local authorities.
Mr Mulenga said apart from creating employment, Pick n Pay’s new store served as relief for Chingola resident who had been traveling to other districts such as Kitwe for shopping thereby by risking their lives.
“The opening of Pick n Pay here in Chingola will serve people time of going to other towns to do their shopping and the served time would be used for other creative and productive things,” he said.
Mr Mulenga further urged local farmers and traders to take advantage of pick n pay’s space for selling local products such as vegetable and eggs.